The Gascoyne Public Health Unit is urging people living and holidaying in the Gascoyne area to take extra care against mosquito bites due to the current increased risk of mosquito-borne viruses in the region.

Although the wet season is nearly over, further rain is still projected in the north of the region according to the Bureau of Meteorology, thus increasing the possibility of further opportunities for mosquitoes to breed.

Local medical practitioners are continuing to identify individuals affected by Ross River virus disease, particularly in the Exmouth, Carnarvon and Shark Bay shires.

Dr Marisa Gilles, Public Health Physician for the Midwest region states that, “The conditions for mosquito breeding have been highly favorable considering the rain received in these areas, and this is reflected in the above average notifications for Ross River Virus in the region.”

“There are no specific cures or vaccines for Ross River infection so it is very important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes”, she said.

“Signs of infection vary from person to person but usually include painful swollen joints particularly wrists, knees, ankles and fingers, sore muscles, aching tendons, skin rashes, tiredness, headaches and fever” she said.

Primarily, this warning acts to simply reinforce the continued need for mosquito protection in these regions, both for tourists and residents. Tourists do not need to alter their plans to travel but it is important to avoid mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps, such as:

• Avoiding outdoor exposure from dusk and during the night
• Wearing protective (long, loose-fitting) clothing when outdoors
• Using a personal repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels.  Most natural or organic repellents are not as effective as DEET or Picaridin
• Ensuring insect screens are installed and completely mosquito-proof: use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents
• Ensuring infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening.

The warning also applies to residents, many of whom can take simple steps to ensure that mosquitoes are kept at bay in their own backyard:

• Empty and discard, or store upside down, pot plant containers and bases
• Empty and store dry tyres, buckets, kid’s toys, tarpaulins and black plastic
• Empty trailers, boats and dinghies of any water
• Clear roof gutters if blocked so they run freely
• Flush out with a hose water features and fountains, birdbaths and hydroponic gardens.